One of the main rivalries in the midsize luxury SUV class is BMW X5 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE. Similar in size, the X5 and GLE also match up closely in features, performance, pricing, and even geography—both of these German-brand SUVs are built in the United States. Of course, there are key differences. BMW offers a plug-in hybrid X5, while Mercedes has an edge in driver-assistance and infotainment technology.
If you’re shopping for a midsize premium SUV, you probably have both the X5 and GLE on your list. Here’s a 2022 BMW X5 vs. 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE comparison to help you decide between these high-end family vehicles.
Price and Value
2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e
Consumers will find that the 2022 BMW X5 ranges in price from $59,400 to $105,900, not including the $995 destination charge. This midsize luxury SUV has standard seating for five. With the optional third-row seat, the X5 can accommodate seven, but most families will not find the rearmost seat practical for daily use. (The BMW X7 works better as an everyday 3-row SUV.)
BMW offers four versions of the 2022 X5. The base 6-cylinder model comes in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) X5 sDrive40i and all-wheel-drive (AWD) X5 xDrive40i trims. The BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combines a 6-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a battery pack and has BMW’s xDrive AWD system as standard. Next up is the V8-powered BMW X5 M50i. And for those on the hunt for an extremely quick midsize SUV, there’s the 2022 BMW X5 M.
BMW offers a variety of standard and optional connected services on the 2022 X5, including remote access features (lock the doors, start the engine, etc.), live emergency assistance, concierge services, digital key access, and even a drive recorder. There’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot. Prices and availability can change, and you’ll need to manage your services via a BMW Connected Drive account.
BMW provides complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles that you own a new X5.
Shoppers will find that the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE ranges in price from $55,700 to $80,200, not including the $1,050 destination charge. Nearly identical in dimensions to the BMW, the midsize Mercedes SUV comes in two body styles: the standard GLE SUV and the GLE Coupe, which has a coupe-inspired, fastback roofline.
Both body styles have standard seating for five. The regular GLE has an optional third-row seat that increases capacity to seven, but families of five or more will want to make sure everyone fits before signing the paperwork.
Mercedes-Benz offers the GLE in trim levels that correspond to the engine under the hood. The base GLE 350 and mid-range GLE 450 use 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines, respectively. Mercedes GLE 350 buyers can choose either RWD or the optional 4Matic AWD system; 4Matic is standard on all other GLE models.
Buyers seeking more performance can consider the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and GLE 53 Coupe, which also use a 6-cylinder engine, albeit one tuned by the automaker’s AMG performance division. If you want a 2022 Mercedes GLE with a V8 engine, your only choice is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 580. The high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and GLE 63 S Coupe are among the many high-performance, V8-powered Mercedes models on hold for 2022.
All 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUVs and GLE Coupes come with connected services, including remote access, rapid access to emergency and roadside assistance, geofencing for less trusted drivers, a parking-lot finder feature, and three years of downloadable map updates for the factory navigation system. Options include Wi-Fi and a dash-cam recorder.
Mercedes does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Advantage: BMW X5
Reliability and Quality
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic
The BMW X5 does not rank among the top three midsize premium SUVs in either the J.D. Power 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) or the 2021 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2022 BMW X5 comes with the following warranty and roadside assistance coverage:
- Standard warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Hybrid battery warranty: 8 years or 80,000 miles (10 years or 150,000 miles in California emissions states)
- Roadside assistance: 4 years and unlimited mileage
The Mercedes-Benz GLE does not rank among the top three midsize premium SUVs in either the 2021 VDS or the 2021 IQS. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE comes with the following warranty and roadside assistance coverage:
- Standard warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Roadside assistance: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Advantage: BMW X5
Performance and Efficiency
2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e
Consumers will find that the 2022 BMW X5 comes with a diverse selection of powertrains. The X5 sDrive40i and xDrive40i use a turbocharged 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine rated at 335 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is a 48-volt, mild-hybrid electrification system that powers the X5’s electrical system, smooths out the operation of the automatic engine stop/start system, and provides a modest acceleration boost in some situations.
The plug-in hybrid BMW X5 xDrive45e also uses the inline-6 engine, but on the X5 PHEV, it joins forces with an electric motor to deliver a combined 389 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque. A hybrid-specific version of the 8-speed automatic transmission is standard.
If you’re looking for a truly fast BMW X5, the M50i model will likely satisfy you. Its turbocharged, 4.4-liter V8 engine generates 523 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, along with upgraded suspension and brakes. The 2022 BMW X5 M50i will hit 60 mph in a claimed 4.1 seconds.
The 2022 BMW X5 M is only a few tenths of a second quicker to 60, but it’s a more serious beast and looks the part, too. Engineers from BMW’s M performance division modified the turbo V8 to develop 600 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque in base trim. The optional Competition package takes it to 617 hp. A performance-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission with multiple shift modes is standard, and a revised AWD system biases engine torque to the rear wheels. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
With the optional tow hitch, most versions of the 2022 BMW X5 have a 7,200-pound tow rating. The X5 PHEV is limited to 5,925 pounds.
The 2022 X5 sDrive40i and xDrive40i rate 23 mpg in combined city and highway driving. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid rates just 20 mpg combined, but its 24-kilowatt-hour battery pack provides an estimated 31 miles of all-electric driving range. The X5 M50i rates 18 mpg in combined driving, while the X5 M rates 15 mpg combined with or without the Competition package.
Shoppers can select from four engines on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE. The base Mercedes GLE 350 comes with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 255 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting.
Although the 4-cylinder generates respectable numbers, the midsize Mercedes SUV weighs close to 5,000 pounds, so buyers often prefer the GLE 450’s turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. It makes 362 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with a 9-speed automatic and is equipped with a 48-volt electrification system that functions like the system on the BMW.
Buyers seeking more athleticism might like the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 or GLE 53 Coupe. The GLE 53 has a higher-performance turbo inline-6 rated at 429 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 53 also has the 48-volt electrification system but uses a quicker-shifting version of the 9-speed automatic. The GLE 53 models have a standard sport-tuned suspension with self-leveling air springs and adaptive damping.
If you want a V8, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 has a good one. Its twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 engine makes 483 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque. The V8 also uses the 48-volt electrification system, and it has a 9-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupe have a 7,700-pound tow rating when properly equipped.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 rates 22 mpg in combined city and highway driving, regardless of whether you select RWD or 4Matic AWD. The GLE 450 rates 23 mpg combined. The GLE 53 Coupe rates 20 mpg in combined driving, while the heavier GLE 53 SUV rates 19 mpg. The GLE 580 also rates 19 mpg combined.
Advantage: BMW X5
Safety and Driving Assistance
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic
The 2022 BMW X5 comes standard with Active Driving Assistant, a basic collection of advanced driving assistance aids (ADAS) that includes a forward-collision warning (FCW) system with pedestrian and cyclist detection and automatic emergency braking (AEB). You also get a lane-departure warning (LDW) system and a blind-spot warning (BSW) system with rear cross-traffic alert.
Most new X5 buyers will want to consider adding the Driving Assistance Professional package. It includes lane-keeping assistance (LKA), upgraded side-collision avoidance functionality for the BSW system, front cross-traffic alert, and evasive steering assistance with pedestrian detection. This package is also your ticket to Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance in the form of a traffic jam assist (TJA) system that integrates adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop-and-go capability and lane centering.
The 2022 BMW X5 earned an overall rating of 4 stars out of 5 in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety testing. It earned 4 stars for frontal-impact crash protection and 5 stars for side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2021 X5 a Good rating in all crash-test categories. Despite this, BMW’s midsize luxury SUV wasn’t a Top Safety Pick due to a Poor rating for the standard headlights.
Every 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE includes FCW with AEB and pedestrian detection, a BSW system with rear cross-traffic alert and safe exit assistance, and a driver-attention monitoring system. In the event of an unavoidable collision, the 2022 GLE also has the Mercedes Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound accident mitigation systems as standard.
The available Driver Assistance Plus package adds many additional aids, including a Level 2 TJA system with ACC with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance, automatic emergency stop assistance, evasive steering assistance, and lane-change assistance. In addition, the GLE’s AEB system can be upgraded with front cross-traffic detection (for vehicles and pedestrians), while the BSW system gains side-collision avoidance functionality.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating. The IIHS named the 2021 GLE a Top Safety Pick+, the Institute’s highest safety rating.
Advantage: Mercedes-Benz GLE
Infotainment and Technology
2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e
Every 2022 BMW X5 comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface backed by the iDrive 7 infotainment platform. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration are standard, and the factory navigation system uses over-the-air updates. The rear USB ports are built into the front seatbacks, providing convenient access for outboard passengers.
Options include Gesture Control, which lets you use hand signals to accept phone calls or adjust the volume, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE also comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment interface, though here it’s backed by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) platform. Wired smartphone integration and factory navigation are standard, and the voice-recognition technology is among the best you’ll find in a midsize luxury SUV. Standard near-field communication (NFC) technology speeds up Bluetooth pairing. A wireless charging pad is also included.
An optional augmented video feature for the navigation system makes it easier to pinpoint unfamiliar locations. Other extras include the MBUX Interior Assistant, which provides gesture control for basic cabin functions, and a premium Burmester surround-sound system. The optional third-row seat offers two additional USB ports (for a total of 7).
Advantage: Mercedes-Benz GLE
Comfort and Utility
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic
High-quality materials abound in these midsize luxury SUVs, and they offer similar passenger and cargo space. Your decision will likely come down to your assessment of their design and comfort.
Compared to other BMWs, the 2022 BMW X5 has a more distinct character on the inside. A wide range of interior materials allows you to create a modern or traditional environment, and in X5 M trim, it can have an edgy performance vibe.
Seat comfort is exceptional up front. The X5’s second-row bench offers good bolstering, but the seat-bottom cushion is mounted unexpectedly low and lacks thigh support for taller adults. But with the optional 4-zone climate control system, at least everyone will be at their preferred temperature.
The BMW X5 still has a two-piece, clamshell-style hatch with a tailgate that folds down in a nod to history. Cargo capacity is competitive for this class, with 33.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
As is often the case in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE has an old-world luxury ambiance—a striking achievement in an interior dominated by a digital instrument panel and digital infotainment interface.
Adults will find both the first- and second-row seats quite comfortable. Options include 4-zone climate control, air purification and fragrance system, and heating and cooling for the seats and the cupholders.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE matches the BMW X5’s cargo capacity, and it has a traditional single-piece liftgate. You’ll find 33.3 cubic feet of volume behind the second-row seats. With the rear seats folded, the maximum capacity is 74.9 cubic feet.
Advantage: Mercedes-Benz GLE